Purchasing an exotic kiln-dried slab in the US has never been this easy

Parota & Monkey Pod

CHECK OUR INVENTORY

Sustainably Sourced

Each slab is ethically harvested, with full traceability to government permits, ensuring our exotic hardwood is as kind to the planet as it is exquisite.

Quality Cuts

Experience the precision of sharp, carefully maintained blades that reveal the true beauty within each log.

Kiln Dried Excellence

Our slabs undergo meticulous kiln drying, locking in durability and reducing the risk of warping over time for your custom woodworking projects.

Discover Our Process

01

Selecting our Logs

The local Ministry of Environment conducts an examination of the designated area, and based on the outcomes, they may either grant or deny approval for tree harvesting.

Our founder, Bernardo Urbina, personally engages in the selection and approval process for Monkey pod and Parota logs, which he procures from local farmers situated in the rural regions of Costa Rica.

Then, with the completion of all the paperwork, the acquisition of a "yellow tag" permit is secured to facilitate the transportation of the logs to the mill.

02

Milling the Logs

Upon arrival at the Mill, we undertake the unloading of the logs, conduct a meticulous inventory check, and assign a distinct number to each Monkey pod and Parota log categorizing them based on their size and species.

Bernardo Urbina, along with his team, deliberates on the optimal approach for milling each log, ensuring the production of unique slabs.

Subsequently, as the slabs are processed, they undergo stickering in preparation for their transfer to the warehouse, where the kiln is located.

03

Kiln Drying

Each slab is methodically stickered, maintaining a spacing of 12-16 inches, and undergoes a pre-drying phase lasting 1.5 months before progressing to the kiln.

Our kiln infrastructure comprises three carts, each with a capacity of 15 tons, facilitating the drying of 30 slabs per cart—amounting to a total of 90 slabs.

The kiln operates using sophisticated Italian software, integrating four strategically positioned sensors on the slabs to monitor their current moisture levels.

Additionally, the system incorporates relative humidity sensors within the kiln, four exhaust flaps, four bidirectional fans, and an extensive 12-meter-long stainless steel heating source. These components collaboratively function, both synergistically and wirelessly, adhering to a meticulously designed computer program.

This program ensures a gradual and efficient drying process, aligning with our predetermined moisture content specifications.

04

120-grit finish

Upon completion of the drying process for Monkey pod and Parota slabs, we meticulously sand them down to a 120-grit finish.

This crucial step reveals the distinctive and aesthetically pleasing grain patterns that were previously concealed.

The application of a small amount of water enhances the visual appeal, providing ample time to capture the authentic appearance of the slab before the final finishing.

Simultaneously, each slab undergoes comprehensive documentation, resulting in the creation of a unique code. This coding system ensures a traceable record, enabling us to correlate each slab with the corresponding image captured during documentation.

01

Selecting our Logs

The local Ministry of Environment conducts an examination of the designated area, and based on the outcomes, they may either grant or deny approval for tree harvesting.

Our founder, Bernardo Urbina, personally engages in the selection and approval process for Monkey pod and Parota logs, which he procures from local farmers situated in the rural regions of Costa Rica.

Then, with the completion of all the paperwork, the acquisition of a "yellow tag" permit is secured to facilitate the transportation of the logs to the mill.

02

Milling the Logs

Upon arrival at the Mill, we undertake the unloading of the logs, conduct a meticulous inventory check, and assign a distinct number to each Monkey pod and Parota log categorizing them based on their size and species.

Bernardo Urbina, along with his team, deliberates on the optimal approach for milling each log, ensuring the production of unique slabs.

Subsequently, as the slabs are processed, they undergo stickering in preparation for their transfer to the warehouse, where the kiln is located.

03

Kiln Drying

Each slab is methodically stickered, maintaining a spacing of 12-16 inches, and undergoes a pre-drying phase lasting 1.5 months before progressing to the kiln.

Our kiln infrastructure comprises three carts, each with a capacity of 15 tons, facilitating the drying of 30 slabs per cart—amounting to a total of 90 slabs.

The kiln operates using sophisticated Italian software, integrating four strategically positioned sensors on the slabs to monitor their current moisture levels.

Additionally, the system incorporates relative humidity sensors within the kiln, four exhaust flaps, four bidirectional fans, and an extensive 12-meter-long stainless steel heating source. These components collaboratively function, both synergistically and wirelessly, adhering to a meticulously designed computer program.

This program ensures a gradual and efficient drying process, aligning with our predetermined moisture content specifications.

04

120-grit finish

Upon completion of the drying process for Monkey pod and Parota slabs, we meticulously sand them down to a 120-grit finish.

This crucial step reveals the distinctive and aesthetically pleasing grain patterns that were previously concealed.

The application of a small amount of water enhances the visual appeal, providing ample time to capture the authentic appearance of the slab before the final finishing.

Simultaneously, each slab undergoes comprehensive documentation, resulting in the creation of a unique code. This coding system ensures a traceable record, enabling us to correlate each slab with the corresponding image captured during documentation.

Before/after

Our skilled artisans then transform each piece with expert milling, precise kiln drying, and sanding to a luxurious 120-grit finish.

Before

After

Drag

100%

sustainably-harvested slabs

FAQ

We take pride in our wood

Grain that speaks

All our slabs are kiln dried and sanded to 120 grit, only $16.5 per board foot.

Woodpreneur Podcast

If you're intrigued to unravel the essence of Costa Rica Mill, immerse yourself in a compelling conversation between our founder, Bernardo Urbina, and Steve Larosiliere. This enlightening dialogue delves into Bernardo's journey, providing a firsthand account of the company's accidental genesis during the pandemic. Beyond merely discussing his passion for unique wood, Bernardo passionately shares insights into his deep-rooted love for the intricate art of furniture making, showcasing a multifaceted commitment that shapes Costa Rica Mill's identity.

Listen here

Quality cuts

It all starts how the log is milled. We make sure the blade is sharp to process the wood.

Sustainably sourced

All our inventory can be backed tracked to its permit of harvesting by the goverment.

Kiln dried

All our slabs are kilned dried before shipping